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Canada provides humanitarian assistance for earthquake victims in China

April 27, 2013

Canada is supporting the International Red Cross Movement in providing immediate lifesaving assistance in support of people affected by the earthquake in China's Sichuan province, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.

"Canada's humanitarian assistance is helping to address the immediate needs of people suffering from the earthquake in China," said Minister Fantino. "Canadians have strong people-to-people ties with China. This assistance represents our goodwill during these challenging times in Sichuan province."

Canada's support, in response to a request by the International Red Cross Movement, to earthquake-affected families in Lushan county will help to provide 5,000 family kits, establish 50 temporary latrines in transitional settlement areas, and increase the capacity to establish 100 more latrines for 1,000 displaced people.

Nearly two million people have been affected across 19 prefectures and 115 counties of Sichuan province. More than 233,000 persons have been displaced, and it is reported that 139,500 houses have collapsed, and 3,920 km of roads and 450 bridges have been damaged.

Canada is a leader in providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in disaster-affected areas of the world. The Harper Government's Economic Action Plan 2013 affirms Canada's commitment to international development investments such as humanitarian assistance.

The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation. The amalgamation will help Canada achieve greater efficiency, accountability, and focus to continue to improve the lives of people in need around the world.

For more information, please visit CIDA's website.

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For more information, media should contact:

Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CIDA_CA